Toys with a track adaptor and shells for a portable electronic device

ABSTRACT

A universal track adaptor system having a shell including a portable device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding a portable electronic device, said shell further including a track facing surface, a plurality of track receiving guides which can be adapted to interface with a plurality of different sized tracks, as permitted by a specific range of motion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/601,977, entitled “SHELL FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A TRACK ADAPTOR” filed Aug. 31, 2012 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to toys and track adaptors for interfacing toys with tracks or track like mechanisms of various sizes found in any play environment, and a shell for a portable electronic device with an integrated track adaptor capable of adapting a portable electronic device into a toy that can be used on tracks of various sizes.

2. Description of Related Art

Many children, even a toddler like one of the inventors, are capable of creating fantasy worlds and entertaining themselves by taking a toy (like a train) and using their imagination to weave in other elements available in their immediate environment, and their imagination. For example, a child may take a toy train and the track from a sliding door, and make believe the train wheels fit and interface along the track of the sliding door. Similarly, the child may run the toy train along a metal stair banister, etc. It would be unusual for the wheel configuration of the toy train to match some element of the available environment, although play would be enhanced if this were the case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A universal track adaptor system having a shell including a portable electronic device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding a portable electronic device, the shell further including a track facing surface, a plurality of wheels including a first wheel and a second wheel, a first track adaptor rotatably coupling the first wheel and the second wheel to the track facing surface. The first track adaptor has a specific range of motion and an adaptive mechanism operable to adjust a specific width between the first wheel and the second wheel through the specific range of motion. In this way the first wheel and the second wheel can be adapted to interface with a plurality of different sized tracks, as permitted by the specific range of motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a universal track adaptor system for receiving the illustrated portable electronic device, the portable electronic device executing an application which enhances or facilitates play;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the universal track adaptor system according to one embodiment, the wheels or track interface mechanism folded or retracted;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the universal track adaptor system according to another embodiment, the wheels or track interface mechanism unfolded or extended;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial illustration of the underside of a universal track system with shell for portable electronic device; and

FIG. 5 is a pictorial illustration of a universal track adaptor system adjusted to interface with a track;

FIG. 6 shows a universal track adaptor adjusted to engage with a simulated monorail such as a stair banister.

FIG. 7 shows a child playing with a universal track adaptor system configured as a toy for interfacing with tracks from a sliding door system;

FIG. 8 shows a toy train with integrated track adapting system, and a text box;

FIG. 9 shows a toy train with integrated track adapting system, and a text box;

FIG. 10 shows a pictorial illustration of a universal track adaptor system that can extend its height on at least one side to serve various purposes such as a stand for a portable electronic device;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method for enhanced play with a software application simulating a desired toy or effect as the electronic device is coupled with a universal track engagement system

FIG. 12 shows a pictorial illustration of a universal track adaptor system in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contemplates a variety of systems, devices, methods and paradigms for engaging with a play environment, as well as more utilitarian functionalities including effective mechanisms for making use of portable electronic devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates a universal track adaptor system 100 for receiving a portable electronic device 50. The track adaptor system 100 includes a shell 110 with a portable device receiving surface 112 arranged for receiving and detachably holding the portable electronic device 50.

As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, the shell 110 is designed to provide protection, perhaps by absorbing mechanical energy, to the portable electronic device 50 when properly utilized. The design of the shell 110 in FIG. 1 provides that the receiving surface 112 allows for a snug fit of the electronic device 50, making the device 50 removable, but relatively secure within the shell. The shell 110 may be designed to include through holes, mechanical and/or electrical buttons, switches, and/or interface elements that allow the shell 110 to cover and protect yet enable utilization of the various functionality of the electronic device 50.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes wheels 114-120 (or other engagement and/or interface mechanism), shown in a folded in position where wheels 114-120 are substantially in the plane of the track facing surface 112. Other track interface components (e.g., a ski or such) can be used instead of the wheels. In this embodiment, the wheels substantially within the shell 110 so that they are flush externally on a track facing surface, not shown.

A display screen 52 of the portable electronic device 50 shows a train 54 or other suitable image to enhance play with the system 100. FIG. 1 illustrates a simple train image like one might readily find in any of a plurality of readily available mobile device applications, which applications usually come with sound and/or other features that can be utilized to enhance play and facilitate simulation and/or fantasy. The present invention further contemplates a more customized mobile application which provides a display view that might correspond to what a child or user might expect to see given the orientation of the mobile device, the type of tracks the device is engaged with, the specific toy the child wishes to simulate, etc.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the universal track adaptor system 100, such as system 100 of FIG. 1. In the view of FIG. 2, the wheels 114-120 are substantially not visible because they are retracted or folded to be “inside” of the shell 110. As will be appreciated, the wheels could be folded to be substantially parallel with the shell, and in some embodiment be substantially within the shell 110 and/or interior to the shell 110. In other embodiments the wheels may not be retractable or unfoldable, but rather fixed in place, or removable.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the universal track adaptor system 100 with the wheels extended. Note that the wheels could fold in either direction as instantiated, or could otherwise retract or collapse into the shell 110. FIG. 3 further shows an optional wing component 300. The wing component 300 could fold out for use during play, and then a proper software application on the mobile device could be executed to simulate an airplane. In other embodiments, the shell could couple with the electronic device in such a way that the electronic device could sense what combination of wheels and wings are extended, and the mobile software application could respond accordingly. However, even without coupling, most mobile devices have motion sensors, and this motion information could be tracked and suitable audio, video, and/or haptic information and/or feedback could be generated via the portable electronic device 50.

FIG. 4 illustrates an underside of a universal track adaptor system 100 showing the track facing surface 112, and wheels 114-120 in an unfolded or retracted position. The universal track adaptor system 100 includes at least one control wheel or control device 130 operable to adjust a width of separation of pairs of wheels, the control device 130 acting on an adaptive mechanism 124 which is coupled and can adjust the relevant wheel pair along an axis 126. The axis 126 could simply be abstract for in use in the present discussion, or may literally be a physical component of the universal track adaptor system 100 to which the wheels are physically attached.

As will be appreciated, a variety of combinations of control devices and/or adaptive mechanisms could be utilized to accomplish the desired effect of adjusting the width between wheels in pairs. The separate pairs of wheels could adjust separation width independently (e.g., each pair has an independent adjustment mechanism). In some cases, only one wheel pair, or even one wheel may be adjustable. As will be appreciated, the adjustment mechanism could adjust wheels in many degrees of motion, so disposition of the wheels could extend further or close in with regards to the shell 110, or change orientation, and/or a combination of all degrees of motion, in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the wheels are permanently fixed in an extended position, or perhaps removable to allow for more convenient use of the shell with respect to operation of the portable electronic device 50.

Returning to FIG. 4, an optional button 132 or other suitable mechanism can engage directly or via a locking mechanism, holding any combination of wheels in place depending on the desired application. There may be one or more buttons 132, with different locking functions (height extension, width separation, etc.) depending on the desired implementation. In one particular embodiment, the device has a single button mechanism which locks the wheels in place along all available degrees of motion.

Alternatively, wheels may substantially hold in place, being moved by the mechanism 130/124, otherwise locked, so no “manual” locking system is necessary. In another embodiment, the adjusting mechanism is simply built in and the adjustment is made by directly manipulating the wheels, e.g., the child can push the wheels together and likewise pull them apart. In this case there may or may not be a locking mechanism. It could be that when locked the wheel separation width is not adjustable, and when unlocked, the wheels are loose and readily adjustable. A clamp or other suitable device can accomplish this purpose.

FIG. 5 illustrates a toy universal track engaging system 200 adjusted to fit the sliders or rails of a sliding door system such as found in sliding glass door system of a home or shower. FIG. 6 illustrates a toy universal track engaging system 220 adjusted to interface along a cylindrical stair banister, simulating a monorail. As will be appreciated, by “interface” the Applicant means having the wheels or other engagement mechanism(s) interacting with the track or track like mechanism found in the play environment. Whenever the term track is used herein, this could mean any available element from the play environment that can be used to simulate or create a track or sliding experience, often involving some kind of path defined by the track. Interfacing could mean width adjusting so that the wheels operate on the track similar to the operation of train wheels on a track, however a variety of ways could be accomplished, The wheels could be coupled via friction and pressure to a side of a table top so the device could run on it side, etc.

FIG. 7 illustrates a child 600 playing with a toy train 601 including an integrated universal track engaging system 602, the system 602 adjusted for operation with a sliding track or mechanism of a sliding door system. This toy train 601 may further include a mounting device to receive a portable electronic device, which may be operated as described herein to enhance play and facilitate simulation.

FIG. 8 illustrates a toy train 700 with an integrated universal track engaging system 702, and a text window 704. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, rather then detachably coupling a universal track engaging system with a toy or portable electronic device, the track engaging system 702 is built into the toy train 700, and can be implemented in any variety of ways including those described above. The text window 704 presents text relevant to the toy and in some embodiments serves an educational purpose by providing a text related to the width or disposition of the wheels or track interface of the toy train 700. FIG. 8 illustrates the toy train 700 with German language text “Der Zug” while FIG. 9 illustrates the toy train with English text “train.” The text window 704 could be controlled mechanically, or could be a receiving window for the portable electronic device with the display screen visible and providing play enhancing or educational material.

FIG. 10 illustrates another universal track adaptor system 900 where one or more wheels, typically a pair 902, are extendably attached to the universal track adaptor system 900. This wheel pair 900 can be extended and locked in place to operate as stand for a portable electronic device, in embodiments where the universal track adaptor 900 includes a shell for a portable electronic device. The extension can also enhance play, simulating a dump truck or other toy, and the play can be further enhanced by an application running on the portable electronic device that could generate relevant audio and video.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method for playing with an electronic device running a toy simulation application and a universal track engagement system. In the start step, any initiation activities can be taken such in preparation, which might include installing a suitable software application in the mobile device. At 952 activity(ies) involves attaching or inserting the portable mobile device, such as an iPhone or Android device, into the universal track adaptor system. Note that in some embodiments, the device may be more fixedly connected then the snap in version with snug fit described above.

At 954, activity involves adjusting the system to engage with some rail-like element found in the immediate play environment, and interfacing the system with that rail-like element. At 956, the software application is executed and the child can play with the toy, attached to a rail-like device, with suitable feedback and controls provided by the electronic device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a plan view of the back or bottom side of a universal track adapting system 1000 in accordance with another embodiment. The example system 1000 includes a back or bottom side of a smart device or smart device protective shell 1002. Integrated or adapted to the shell 1002 are one or more track receiving guides 1004. The track receiving guides 1004 can take any suitable form such as a depression molded into the shell, a cavity carved into the shell, or an attachment which can receive and/or couple to a rail (e.g., a rail, track, guide, or other device or stand in acting as such) external to the system 1000 and available in the area for play or use.

The receiving guides 1004 can be of fixed or set width, or can be movable to expand or shrink as desired to mate with the rail. Any suitable mechanism for enabling motion or operation of each guide 1004 is acceptable. The receiving guides 1004 can also be of fixed distance with respect to one another, or can be movable individually or together to likewise adapt to the available rails.

Any of the above embodiments can include sensors for sensing the environment, and/or electronics for interfacing with another electronic device, for controlling mechanical or electrical operation or feedback devices, or transmitting information, or such.

In addition to the above mentioned examples, various other modifications and alterations of the invention may be made without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure is not to be considered as limiting and the appended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the true spirit and the entire scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A universal track adaptor system, said universal track adaptor system comprising: a shell including a portable device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably securing a portable electronic device, said shell further including a track facing surface; and at least one receiving guide suitable for engaging with a rail, track or other available device, the at least one receiving guide integrated in, coupled or adapted to the track facing surface.
 2. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one receiving guide is one of a pair of linear receiving guides.
 3. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 2, further comprising a first mechanism for adjusting relative width separating the linear receiving guides.
 4. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 3, further comprising second and/or third mechanisms for adjusting size of each of the pair of linear receiving guides.
 5. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor; electronics for coupling the at least one sensor to the portable electronic device; and a feedback mechanism for providing at least one of audio, video or haptic feedback, in response to the at least one sensor and/or the portable electronic device.
 6. A universal track adaptor system as recited in claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor is an accelerometer.
 7. A universal track adaptor system for interfacing a toy with a plurality of different sized tracks, said universal track adaptor system comprising: a base including a toy receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding said toy, said base further including a track facing surface; a plurality of track receiving guides integrated into the track facing surface; one or more size adjusting mechanisms for adjusting a size and/or shape of each of the plurality of track receiving guides; and one or more location adjusting mechanisms for adjusting positions of the plurality of track receiving guides relative to each other.
 8. A toy train with integral track adaptor system comprising: a train module; a base coupled to the train module, said base further including a track facing surface; a plurality of track receiving guides integrated into the track facing surface; one or more size adjusting mechanisms for adjusting a size and/or shape of each of the plurality of track receiving guides; and one or more location adjusting mechanisms for adjusting positions of the plurality of track receiving guides relative to each other.
 9. A method for interfacing a toy with a plurality of different sized tracks, the method comprising: coupling said toy to a base via a toy receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding said toy coupling a track facing surface of said base to a track via a plurality of track receiving guides integrated into the track facing surface; adjusting a size and/or shape of each of the plurality of track receiving guides, and adjusting positions of the plurality of track receiving guides relative to each other, such that said toy is engaged with the track via the base.
 10. A method as recited in claim 10, further comprising: sensing motion of said toy; and providing feedback based on said motion.
 11. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein said toy is embodied on a portable computing device with a display screen as an application executing on the portable computing device.
 12. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein said sensing is accomplished via one or more sensors present on said portable computing device.
 13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein said feedback is provided via said portable computing device.
 14. A universal track adaptor system characterized in that the system includes a portable device receiving surface arranged for receiving and detachably holding a portable electronic device, said system further including a track facing surface having a plurality of track receiving guides which can be adapted to interface with a plurality of different sized and/or shaped tracks or track equivalents. 